Penetration testing methodology

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Penetration Testing uses the same tools and techniques of a black hat hacker in order to identify vulnerabilities. Lisa Bock covers how penetration testing monitors for threats from the outside as well as the inside and why every organization should include Penetration Testing as part of an overall security plan.

- [Voiceover] Once a decision is made…to conduct ethical hacking,…the approach to the penetration test,…or pen test as it is sometimes called,…is determined in a kickoff meeting…with all stakeholders that establish…the goals of the security assessment.…Ethical hacking is a structured assessment…and testing process.…Ethical hacking uses the same tools…and techniques of a black hat hacker,…and of course were sometimes called white hat hackers.…Ethical hacking examines the many ways…a breach can occur.…

In the early days of networking,…perimeter scanning to test a system's ability…to withstand attempts to break through…the boundary firewalls were sufficient.…However, today's network edge has blurred.…Security threats have evolved…and expanded beyond the corporate walls.…So have the types of security assessments…that are conducted.…Security assessments can include network devices,…email, web interface, hosts,…wireless application, and databases.…

A total assessment can take two to three weeks.…It really depends on the number of targets…

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Released

4/20/2016

What is ethical hacking? When it comes to cybersecurity, hacking comes in many colors: white, grey, black, and shades in between. White hat hackers use their skills for good. They practice ethical hacking: involved testing to see if an organization's network is vulnerable to outside attacks. Ethical hacking is key to strengthening network security, and it's one of the most desired skills for any IT security professional. If you're interested in becoming an ethical hacker, or getting started securing your own network, this introduction is for you.

Security expert Lisa Bock starts with an overview of ethical hacking and the role of the ethical hacker. She reviews the kinds of threats networks face, and introduces the five phases of ethical hacking, from reconnaissance to covering your tracks. She also covers penetration-testing techniques and tools. The materials map directly to the "Introduction to Ethical Hacking" competency from the CEH Body of Knowledge, and provide an excellent jumping off point for the next courses in this series.

Note: Our Ethical Hacking series will map to the 18 parts of the EC-Council's certification exam. Find more courses in the series on Lisa's author page.